B Long F Tablet 30'S

Introduction About B LONG F TABLET

B LONG F TABLET is a combination of Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) and Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) which belongs to the group of medicines called B Vitamins. It is used to manage anaemia caused due to lack of vitamins (folate-based megaloblastic anaemia) or pregnancy (to manage neural tube defects in babies Ex. spina bifida) or surgical removal of the stomach (gastrectomy).

It is also used to manage anaemia caused by chronic red cell breakdown (haemolytic states) or kidney dialysis, Pellagra (vitamin B deficiency), idiopathic sideroblastic anaemia (a condition in which the red cells in the blood do not form properly) and adjunctively (in combination with other medicines) to manage vitamin 12 deficiency (pernicious anaemia).

The symptoms of vitamin B deficiency include inflammation of the skin (dermatitis) and tongue, diarrhoea, disorientation, depression and confusion. B LONG F TABLET additionally manages sprue, a disease in which food cannot be absorbed by the gut, along with damage to the nerves (peripheral neuritis) caused by isoniazid (a drug used to manage tuberculosis).

B LONG F TABLET must be taken in consultation with your doctor when used in pregnant and breastfeeding women. It is not recommended for use in children below 12 years of age. It is generally safe to use B LONG F TABLET and rarely patients can experience loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting or upset stomach. Consult your doctor if you experience any of it after taking it.

Uses Of B LONG F TABLET

• Manage anaemia caused due to lack of vitamins (folate-based megaloblastic anaemia) or pregnancy or surgical removal of the stomach (gastrectomy)
• Prevents neural tube defects in babies (Ex. spina bifida), where women are at risk of having an affected child
• Prevents anaemia in chronic red cell breakup (haemolytic states) or kidney dialysis
• Manage sprue, a disease in which food cannot be absorbed by the gut
• Manage pellagra (vitamin B deficiency) - the symptoms include dermatitis, inflammation of the tongue, diarrhoea, disorientation, depression and confusion
• As an adjunct (in combination with other medicines) in the management of Vitamin 12 deficiency (pernicious anaemia)
• Manage idiopathic sideroblastic anaemia where the red cells in the blood do not form properly.
• Manage damage to the nerves (peripheral neuritis) caused by isoniazid, (a drug used to manage tuberculosis)

How B LONG F TABLET Works

B LONG F TABLET contains Folic Acid and Pyridoxine. Folic acid and Pyridoxine are artificial substitutes which are used to manage folic acid deficiency and pyridoxine deficiency respectively and certain types of anemia (lack of red blood cells) caused by deficiency.

How to use B LONG F TABLET

Take B LONG F TABLET as advised by your doctor. It must be taken preferably after food. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. Do not alter or discontinue the daily dose of B LONG F TABLET after feeling better without consulting your doctor. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of B LONG F TABLET for you depending on your age, body weight and disease condition.

Side Effects Of B LONG F TABLET

Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy

B LONG F TABLET must be taken with caution in pregnant women. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Breastfeeding

B LONG F TABLET must be taken with caution in breastfeeding women. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Driving and Using Machines

It is considered safe to drive and use machinery after taking B LONG F TABLET.

Alcohol

Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking B LONG F TABLET as they might interact with each other.

Allergy

Do not take B LONG F TABLET if you are allergic to folic acid or pyridoxine.

Interactions

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Before taking B LONG F TABLET, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicine:

• medicines used to manage fits (epilepsy) (Ex. phenytoin, primidone, valproic acid)
• medicine used to manage malarial infection (Ex. trimethoprim, proguanil and pyrimethamine)
• medicines used to manage cancer such as (Ex methotrexate and fluorouracil)
• antibiotics (Ex. chloramphenicol, co-trimoxazole)
• antacids used to reduce gastric symptoms (Ex. edible clay, magnesium and aluminium hydroxide)
• zinc containing vitamins and supplements
• medicines used to reduce blood cholesterol levels (Ex. cholestyramine)
• medicines used to manage ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease or rheumatoid arthritis (Ex. sulphasalazine)
• diuretics to increase urine production (Ex. triamterene)
• Lithium (medicine for the management of mental health problems)
• medicine used as blood thinners (Ex. aspirin)
• medicine used to manage Parkinson’s disease (Ex. levodopa)
• medicine used to manage tuberculosis (Ex. isoniazid, cycloserine)
• Oral contraceptives (Ex. estrogen and progestin)
• medicine used to manage arthritis (Ex. penicillamine)
• medicine used to manage high blood pressure and heart failure (Ex. hydralazine)

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally took more of B LONG F TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of overdose are bitter taste, loss of appetite, nausea, flatulence, nightmares, agitation and depression. The incidence and intensity of fits may increase in patients receiving antiepileptics (Ex. phenobarbital, phenytoin or primidone).

Synopsis

More Information

• Keep B LONG F TABLET out of reach from children
• Store at 25°C, away from light

FAQs About B LONG F TABLET

What is B LONG F TABLET used for?

B LONG F TABLET is a combination of folic acid (vitamin B9) and pyridoxine (vitamin B6), which belongs to the group of medicines called B vitamins. It is used to manage anaemia caused by a lack of vitamins (folate-based megaloblastic anaemia) or pregnancy (to manage neural tube defects in babies, such as spina bifida) or surgical removal of the stomach (gastrectomy). It is also used to manage anaemia caused by chronic red cell breakdown (haemolytic states) or kidney dialysis, Pellagra (vitamin B deficiency), idiopathic sideroblastic anaemia (a condition in which the red cells in the blood do not form properly) and adjunctively (in combination with other medicines) to manage vitamin 12 deficiency (pernicious anaemia).B LONG F TABLET additionally manages sprue, a disease in which food cannot be absorbed by the gut, along with damage to the nerves (peripheral neuritis) caused by isoniazid (a drug used to manage tuberculosis). Consult your doctor regarding the dose and duration of the course of B LONG F TABLET before taking it.

What dietary modifications can I do while taking B LONG F TABLET?

B LONG F TABLET is used to manage folic acid deficiency and pyridoxine deficiency, respectively and certain types of anaemia (lack of red blood cells) caused by deficiency. Along with B LONG F TABLET, your doctor might ask you to include vitamin B-rich foods in your diet to supplement your deficiency, such as whole grains (brown rice, barley, millet), meat (red meat, poultry, fish), eggs, dairy products (milk, cheese), legumes (beans, lentils), seeds and nuts (sunflower seeds, almonds) and leafy vegetables (broccoli, spinach).

Can I consume alcohol after taking B LONG F TABLET?

No. Try to avoid consuming alcohol while taking B LONG F TABLET because it might interact with the medicine and cause complications.

Can B LONG F TABLET be used to supplement nutrition in children?

B LONG F TABLET should not be used by children under the age of 12. Consult your doctor for suggestions on alternatives to nutritional supplements.

Can I drive a car after using B LONG F TABLET?

Yes. It is considered safe to drive or use machinery that needs attention after taking B LONG F TABLET. It alleviates tiredness and weakness caused by vitamin deficiency and improves overall performance.

What is the common side effect of using B LONG F TABLET?

It is generally safe to use B LONG F TABLET. However, rarely, it can cause loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, bloating, flatulence (wind) or worsening of vitamin 12 deficiency symptoms (ex. weakness, tiredness, light-headedness, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, etc.). Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any such symptoms after taking B LONG F TABLET.

Can I take an antacid along with B LONG F TABLET for stomach acidity?

No. Antacids (such as magnesium hydroxide, aluminium hydroxide, etc.) can interfere with the absorption of B LONG F TABLET. Hence, it’s advisable not to take both medicines together. Consult your doctor before taking it.

Can B LONG F TABLET be taken without food?

B LONG F TABLET can be taken with or without food and drinks. However, rarely, nausea and vomiting may occur after taking it. To manage that, it is advised to take B LONG F TABLET with food or immediately after food.

References

1. KD Tripathi. Vitamins. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 609-11, 913, 915-16, 917.

2. Askari, Gholamreza, Morteza Nasiri, Hassan Mozaffari-Khosravi, Masod Rezaie, Mahdieh Bagheri-Bidakhavidi and Omid Sadeghi. The effects of folic acid and pyridoxine supplementation on characteristics of migraine attacks in migraine patients with aura: A double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled, clinical trial. Nutrition. 2017. [Accessed on 24th June 2022] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0899900717300205.

3. Clonmel Healthcare Ltd. Health Products Regulatory Agency. [Revised in April 2018] [Accessed on 24th June 2022] https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/2206878.PA0126_057_001.94585457-3541-4b08-b9cc-38c06856b192.000001Product%20Leaflet%20Approved.180525.pdf

4. M.V Pharmachem Ltd. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in May 2018] [Accessed on 24th June 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.10397.pdf

5. Accord. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in May 2019] [Accessed on 24th June 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.10397.pdf

6. Surepharm Services Ltd. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in April 2018] [Accessed on 24th June 2022]  https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.11766.pdf

Useful Diagnostic Tests

• Blood test to determine Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) and Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) levels

Author Details

Written By Srilekha. R - B.Pharm

Reviewed For Accuracy By Dr. Shruthi Raikar - BDS

Last updated on 04 Jul 2024 | 10:40 AM(IST)